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# MegaDistro - README file #
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INTRODUCTION: MegaDistro, is a system by which a list of perl modules can be built,
into the form a binary package (rpm or deb).
REQUIREMENTS: CPANPLUS-0.0562 or greater *must be configured*
Module-CoreList-2.02 or greater
ExtUtils-MakeMaker-6.17 or greater
Archive::Tar
File::Spec
USAGE: The usage of the system is briefly described as follows.
The perl MegaDistro system is used to create packages of perl modules, simply by reading a list.
For example, all that is required, is that you simply write a list of modules,
(See modules.list), or (t/test.list - in the src directory), for an example of this.
Hence, the first thing that you must do, is create the module list.
- The default location of the module list is: ~/.megadistro/modules.list
(Note: you may create and use a list with another name, or, in another location,
however, you must specify this, upon execution of the program, see below).
However, you must note the following things:
o) Module dependencies, by default, will not settled automatically.
Therefore, to ensure that all prerequesites for a given module,
are installed into the package [to be created], you must specify
them in the list (currently, order is irrelevant).
o) Modules that have _external_ dependencies, that is,
modules which require some sort of external package or program to be installed,
or require something to be installed in a particular location,
- are not currently supported.
(e.g. DBD::mysql, GD, Net::SSLeay)
Other than the aforementioned items, the system should, ideally, be a breeze.
In that, turning your "wish-list" of modules into a binary package,
should be, no more difficult that simply running the 'megadistro' script,
and specifying information, if/as necessary. ;)
Once you've created your module list, you are ready to run it through the system.
(Note: If you are using a module list other than the default [module.list],
you must specify this, by using the --modlist=LIST override,
where LIST is the /path/to/your/module.list file).
The following are examples of how to run the system:
You may run the system without any options (provided you do not want to override any of the defaults),
To run by default: megadistro
* This method is fine, it will simply ask you which package type you would like to generate :)
Otherwise, to explicitly specify which type you would like, you may use any of the following:
To generate a rpm: megadistro -t rpm
To generate a deb: megadistro -t deb
To generate a tarball: megadistro --build-only
If you didn't use the default list file [location]:
megadistro --modlist=/new/location/to/my_modules.list
*** For more information regarding command-line options,
either run: megadistro --help
or check the documentation: perldoc megadistro
If everything went well, and a package was created, it will be located in: ~/.megadistro
BUGS: If you notice any strange behavior, such as something noticably just doesn't work right,
or the system blatantly explodes, so to speak - please report them - thanks.
More information can be found in the MegaDistro documentation - and remember, this is only experimental, so far. :)
See: perldoc megadistro